Why did Venetians wear masks?

The traditional Venetian mask known as the "Bauta" and the "Moretta" for the ladies remains  an enigma to most.  Why was the mask worn year-round and not just at Carnival?

There are many myths on the subject, and this is why Marie Storms undertook to solve the mystery by delving into Venetian history.

You will discover both the subtlety of the Most Serene Republic of Venice and its perpetual search for peace.

Marie Storms is the grand daughter of Countess Anastasia Ghisi, of a very ancient Venetian family who used to have their palazzo on the Grand Canal of Venice from the early years of 1200. It is still the palazzo Ghisi Boldù but is no longer in the hands of the family.

Marie's early passion for philosophy took her to Leuven University, where she obtained her PhD with honours for a thesis on the Italian philosopher Giambattista Vico.  She then moved to Rome, where she had a decisive encounter with the famous jewellery designer, Princess Helietta Caracciolo. On her return to Belgium in 1980, she set up her haute couture jewellery line inspired by the Italian Renaissance.  In 1987 Marie Ghisi was officially awarded the title of "Royal Warrant Holder of the Court of Belgium under the name Marie Storms".  Since then she has designed numerous pieces of jewellery for their majesties Queen Fabiola,  Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde.  She then decided to go to London where she opened her "Venetian Gallery of London" in Walton Street. After so many successful achievements Marie decided to return to Belgium, where she devoted herself to the study of "The Very Serene Republic of Venice", which has become the subject of a number of lectures.

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